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From security guard to two-time Comrades Marathon champion

todayJune 20, 2023 183 1

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Tete Morena Dijana is set to continue to work as a security guard despite winning close to R2 million at the Comrades Marathon.

He walked away with R500 000 for winning the race; R500 000 for breaking the record, R200 000 as the first South African man over the finish line and R500 000 from his home province of the North West.

The 35-year-old edged Piet Wiersma to win the 2023 Comrades Marathon for the second year running.

Dijana, who hails from Mafikeng in the North West Province, clocked in at 5:13:58, breaking a long standing record set by Ethiopian David Gatebe of 5:18:26 to successfully defend his 2022 men’s title.

Before the race, Dijana shared with YSport what inspired him to start his running journey.

 

The 35-year-old also walked down memory lane – sharing how he felt about winning the 2022 men’s race, which was the first one post the COVID-19 pandemic.

He also shared his thoughts on what it takes for one to prepare for such a race.

 

Dijana says while he wants to continue to run the Comrades Marathon, he is also contemplating on running other races.

Article by Kamogelo Mogale

Written by: Lindiwe Mabena

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